Bus drivers deliver coats to students

SIKESTON -- Nearly 75 students in the Sikeston R-6 School District received new winter coats Thursday, thanks to their bus drivers.

After seeing the need of winter coats for some of the students, the bus drivers decided to organize a new coat drive to keep children warm this season, according to longtime R-6 bus driver Orlando Ray.

Late last month they decided each of the district's 10 to 15 bus drivers would purchase a coat or two for the children in the district who are in need. They also opened the drive to the community, who responded with donations of their own.

Building principals made a list of children in need of a new coat, and Thursday marked the day to distribute the coats to students.

At their first stop, bus drivers arranged for a school bus to be parked in front of Lee Hunter Elementary, where -- one by one -- 33 students boarded the bus, retrieved a wrapped box and returned to their building.

Once every student had received a gift, the students gathered in the school gym, where they unwrapped their presents -- new coats, hats and gloves.

The students smiled as they tried on their new coats, gloves and hats.

For the complete story, see the Friday edition of the Standard Democrat.